The status of Tom Ince as a Blackpool player will continue insists manager Michael Appleton unless Liverpool improve their offer of a fortnight ago.

Ince has been linked with a move back to Anfield but the deal is looking less likely after Brendan Rodgers indicated that Daniel Sturridge may be the club's only January signing.

Appleton has also expressed his desire to keep the winger and praised his professionalism in dealing with the speculation surrounding his signature.

According to Appleton, the Reds did place a bid for Ince, who was a Liverpool youth player, two weeks ago but it did not meet the club's valuation of the player.

And in a potential statement of intent from the Seasiders, Ince was picked to start against Fulham on Saturday in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup, meaning the 20-year-old is cup tied, should he move club, for the rest of the season.

"He [Ince] is going through an indifferent period because of all the speculation but he is coping with it really well," Appleton said. "I know how difficult it can be, so he has to take credit for that and I am sure that once the speculation settles down, his performances will pick up again.

"Liverpool made an offer two weeks ago but we have not received anything since. It was a case of, 'That's not enough. You'll have to do better if you want him'.